Class 12 Science students in Delhi government and government-aided schools can now apply for a fully funded one-year residential coaching programme for JEE and NEET, after the Directorate of Education (DoE) notified schools about a scholarship offered by the Pune-based non-profit Dakshana Foundation. Selected students will get free coaching, accommodation and food for one year at the Dakshana Valley campus in Kadus village, Pune district, Maharashtra, starting after they complete Class 12. Selection will be made through the Joint Dakshana Selection Test (JDST) 2027, tentatively scheduled for December 2026.
Key Highlights
- The DoE has circulated the scholarship details to eligible government and government-aided schools across Delhi.
- The scholarship covers coaching, hostel accommodation and meals for one year; students pay nothing.
- Coaching will be conducted at Dakshana Valley, near Pune, after Class 12 board exams.
- Applicants must be studying in Class 12 (Science) during the 2026-27 session and appear for the board exam by May 2027.
- Selection is based on JDST 2027, followed by an interview and document verification.
- The application form for JDST 2027 is already live on the Dakshana portal.
- Students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools are covered under a separate invitation route.
Who Can Apply: JDST 2027 Eligibility
According to the official JDST 2027 notification issued by Dakshana, applicants must satisfy all three conditions listed below.
School: The student must currently be studying in Class 12 Science at a government, government-aided or eligible public school during the 2026-27 academic year, and must appear for the Class 12 board examination by May 2027.
Merit: The aggregate of Mathematics and Science marks in Class 10 must be above the prescribed cut-off.
| Stream | GEN | EWS / OBC | SC | ST | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering (Male) | 85% | 80% | 70% | 65% | 55% |
| Engineering (Female) | 80% | 75% | 65% | 60% | 50% |
| Medical (Male & Female) | 80% | 75% | 65% | 60% | 50% |
Family Annual Income Threshold
The JDST 2027 notification sets the annual family income limit at up to ₹3,00,000 for male candidates and up to ₹5,00,000 for female candidates. The general eligibility text on Dakshana’s application portal mentions a single limit of below ₹3 lakh, so applicants should confirm the applicable figure on the live application form before submitting.
Students of JNVs and EMRS are not to fill this application form. They are invited for JDST 2027 separately, based on their Class 12 Term 1 results.
Selection Process: Step by Step
For students of government, aided and public schools, Dakshana has laid out a seven-stage process:
- Check eligibility and submit the application form at the Dakshana scholarship portal.
- Shortlisting is done on the basis of the cut-off mentioned in the application form.
- Shortlisted students fill the Dakshana Scholar Application (DSA).
- Invited students appear for mock tests to get familiar with the test interface.
- Invited students take JDST 2027 online at an assigned examination centre, carrying their own mobile phones.
- Candidates shortlisted after the test appear for an interview and document verification.
- Students selected after the interview are offered the Dakshana One-Year Scholarship.
JDST 2027 Exam Pattern
The test is fully objective, with four sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology, and Logical Reasoning.
- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Logical Reasoning: 25 questions each
- Biology: 50 questions
- Marking: +5 for a correct answer, –2 for an incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted questions
- Engineering aspirants attempt Mathematics; medical aspirants attempt Biology
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| JDST 2027 application form | Live on the Dakshana portal |
| JDST 2027 exam | December 2026 (tentative) |
| Class 12 board exam requirement | By May 2027 |
| Coaching year | One year after Class 12 |
Note: A last date for applications has not been announced in the official notification. Students should apply early rather than wait for a deadline announcement.
Official Website and Important Links
- JDST 2027 information page: dakshana.org/jdst
- Application form: apply.scholarship.dakshana.org
- Scholar application portal: scholarship.dakshana.org
- JDST FAQs: dakshana.org/jdst-faq
- Directorate of Education, Delhi: edudel.nic.in
